Supraorbital Ethmoid Cells Research Articles

Computed Tomography Analysis of the Anterosuperior Portion of the Bulla Lamella in Chinese Subjects and Its Surgical Significance in Endoscopic Frontal Sinusotomy

Introduction: The anterosuperior portion of the bulla lamella can extend into the frontal sinus and form the supra bulla frontal cell (SBFC) and supraorbital ethmoid cell (SOEC). This can affect the frontal drainage pathway and make surgery more challenging. Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the anatomical characteristics of SBFC and SOEC in Chinese chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients and explore the relationship between the cells and frontal sinusitis (FS). The surgical skills in dealing with these cells were also studied. Methods: We prospectively identified SBFC and SOEC in 114 patients with CRS by computed tomography (CT). The sides of the patients were divided into groups A (with FS) and B (without FS). CT scans were analyzed to distinguish the SBFC, SOEC, and the drainage pathway. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine whether the cells were associated with the occurrence of FS. Results: The prevalence of frontal cells was as follows: SBFC: 9.65%, SOEC: 21.93%. There was an association between the presence of SBFC and FS (p < 0.05). The anterior drainage pathway was present in patients with SBFC and SOEC, anterolateral pathway in those with SBFC/SOEC coexisting with the frontal septal cell, and anteromedial pathway in those with SBFC/SOEC coexisting with the supra agger frontal cell. Conclusions: There was an association between the presence of SBFC and the occurrence of FS. Extension of the anterosuperior portion of the bulla lamella into the frontal sinus obstructed the drainage pathway posteriorly. Understanding the anatomy may help surgeons thoroughly dissect the bulla lamella.

The role of supraorbital ethmoid cell and the significance of a proposed classification of the anterior ethmoid artery in endoscopic sinus surgery

Objective:To investigate the role of the supraorbital ethmoidal cell（SOEC） in identifying the frontal sinus ostium（FO） and the anterior ethmoidal artery（AEA） in endoscopic sinus surgery, and to evaluate the clinical significance of a proposed endoscopic classification of AEA. Methods:The clinical data of 116 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were collected. Thirty-six patients（47 sides） with SOEC and DraftⅡA frontal sinusotomy were included. The radiological-anatomical relationship between SOECs and FO, AEAs were recorded. Endoscopic classification of AEA was proposed according to the relationship between the AEA and the ethmoidal roof（EF）: type 1, the AEA prominence did not extend beyond the lateral one-third of the EF; type 2, that exceed the lateral one-third but not beyond two-thirds of the EF; type 3, that exceed the lateral two-thirds of the EF. Results:The incidence of SOECs was 26.1%（47/180） of the DraftⅡA operating sides. On computed tomography images, seven sides of FO were occupied by supra agger frontal cells or supra bulla frontal cells; the other 40 sides（85.1%） were immediately anterior to the SOECs. The AEAs were 100% located near the posterior margins of SOECs with 6（12.8%） running under the EF and 41（87.2%） low-lying distant from the EF. Under endoscopy, the identification rate of SOECs was 89.4%（42/47）, and five（10.6%） SOECs were not confirmed due to edematous mucosa, bleeding, and other reasons. The identification rate of the AEA was 76.6%（36/47）, of which type 1, type 2 and type 3 accounted for 41.7%（15/36）, 38.9%（14/36） and 19.4%（7/36） respectively. After removing the frontoethmoidal cells, all the FO were located anteriorly or anteromedially to the SOECs. All the identified AEAs were located in the posterior boundary of the SOEC openings at the level of the anterior ethmoidal foramen. Conclusion:The SOEC is a reliable landmark for locating the FO and the AEA in endoscopic sinus surgery. The new endoscopic classification of AEA helps the surgeon dissect the frontoethmoidal region precisely.

The prevalence of frontal cell variants according to the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification and their associations with frontal sinusitis.

The International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification (IFAC) is introduced to simplify the classification of different frontal cell variants based on their topographical structures. The objectives of our study were to determine the prevalence of the frontal cell variants according to IFAC and their association with the development of frontal sinusitis. A retrospective chart review on computed tomography paranasal sinus (CTPNS) was conducted. A total of 200 patients who had clinical and endoscopic findings of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and undergone CTPNS were reviewed. The CTPNS was evaluated for the presence of frontal cell variants according to IFAC and mucosal changes consistent with frontal sinus involvement. A total of 400 sides of the CTPNS were analyzed. The agger nasi cells (ANCs) were the most common (95.5%) followed by supra bulla cells (SBCs) (60.8%), supra bulla frontal cells (SBFCs) (53.0%), supra agger cells (SACs) (50.0%), supra agger frontal cells (SAFCs) (36.0%), frontal septal cells (FSCs) (8.3%), and supraorbital ethmoidal cells SOECs (5.5%). There was significant association between SOEC (p = 0.001) and FSC (p = 0.044) with the development of frontal sinusitis. Apart from ANCs, the posterior-based cells (SBCs and SBFCs) have higher prevalence than the anterior-based cells (SACs and SAFCs). Despite being the least, both SOECs and FSCs are significantly associated with frontal sinusitis.

Evaluation of the Association between Paranasal Sinus Osteomas and Anatomic Variations Using Computed Tomography

Objective:The pathogenesis of paranasal sinus osteoma (PSO) has not been fully elucidated. It is thought that both embryological and developmental factors play a role in the etiology. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of frequency and localization of PSOs detected on computed tomography (CT) examination with osteoma presence.Methods:In this retrospective study conducted in December 2017 through March 2020 in Gaziosmanpaşa University Faculty of Medicine, images of a total of 18,867 patients who underwent paranasal sinus, maxillofacial CT and brain CT angiography were reviewed for the presence of PSOs. Sizes of PSOs and accompanying mucosal pathologies were identified. Associations between PSOs and paranasal sinus variations were evaluated statistically compared to the control group (200 patients without PSO).Results:A total of 176 patients (0.92%) were found to have PSO. Average age of the patients with PSO was 59.9 years (range: 18–93). PSOs were unilateral in 152 patients while 24 patients had multiple osteomas. Female/male ratio was 1.1/1. PSOs were most commonly located in the frontal sinuses. Frequencies of vertical concha bullosa, secondary middle turbinate, twisted uncinate, supraorbital ethmoid cell, intersinus septal cell, ethmoidomaxillary cell, Haller’s cell, frontal sinus hypoplasia and sphenoid sinus hypoplasia were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group.Conclusion:Higher or lower incidence rates of some anatomic variations in the patients with PSO could be explained by the possible effects of genetic and/or environmental factor. Additional studies are needed to evaluate these possible associations.

Anatomical Variations of the Nasal Cavities and Paranasal Sinuses: A Systematic Review.

The anatomy of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses is one of the most varied in the human body. The aim of this study is to review the prevalence of anatomical variations in the sinonasal area. This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We performed on PubMed a literature search from October 2004 until May 2020. The search strategy included the following keywords: (‘paranasal sinus’ OR ‘frontal sinus’ OR ‘maxillary sinus’ AND (‘anatomical variants’ OR ‘anomalies’)). Fifty studies were eligible and included in the analysis. Overall, the studies encompassed a total of 18,118 patients included in this review. Most common anatomical variations include agger nasi cells, nasal septum deviation and concha bullosa. Other variations seen in this region are uncinate process variations, paradoxical middle turbinate, Haller, Onodi and supraorbital ethmoid cells, accessory ostia of maxillary sinus. Less common variations include any sinus aplasia, crista galli pneumatization and dehiscence of the optic or maxillary nerve, internal carotid artery and lamina papyracea. Anatomical variations of this region also differ among ethnic groups. This study highlights the amount, variability and significance of most anatomical variants reported in the literature in the last years. It is essential for the sinus surgeon to have a broad spectrum of knowledge not only of “the typical” anatomy but also all the possible anatomical variations. With modern imaging modalities, anatomical variations can be detected, and uneventful pitfalls might be prevented.

Endoscopic Orbital Transposition for Inverted Papilloma in an Unusually Large Supra Orbital Ethmoidal Cell

Abstract The management of inverted papilloma involving frontal sinus and supraorbital ethmoidal cells is still challenging even for the well-trained rhinologists. These cases sometimes require an external approach, but now with the technique of endoscopic orbital transposition many such cases are handled effectively endonasally. Here in our case report, we are describing an unusually large supraorbital ethmoidal cell, which has pneumatized all the way above the orbit, from the frontal sinus to the anterior clinoid process and hence with the optic nerve lying inside this cell. We will be describing how we still could tackle this endoscopically with the modified endoscopic Lothrop and orbital transposition.

Radiologic analysis of correlations between sinonasal anatomical variations in patients with nasal septal deviation

Objective: This study aims to analyze the sinonasal anatomical variations accompanying the nasal septal deviation, the correlations between these variations, and their relationship with the septal deviation angle.Methods: In this retrospective study, preoperative paranasal computed tomography (CT) scans of 206 patients who underwent septoplasty between January 2015 and December 2019 were examined. In CT scans, different nasal septal deviation types, Keros classification, optic nerve type, ethmoid air cell variants, nasal concha variants, paranasal sinus pneumatization variants, and the correlation between accessory pneumatization variants and their relationship with the septal deviation angle were analyzed.Results: In patients with nasal septal deviation, supraorbital ethmoid cell, anterior clinoid process pneumatization and onodi cell were more frequent compared to the literature. Any significant correlation between the nasal septal deviation angle and the presence of sinonasal variants was not detected (p &amp;gt; 0.05). Correlations were significant between the presence of Frontal sinus hypoplasia and Haller cell (ϕ = -0.142, p = 0.042), Supraorbital Ethmoid cell (ϕ = -0.173, p = 0.013) and Paradoxal middle concha (ϕ = 0.152, p = 0.029).Conclusion: Careful examination of paranasal CTs before craniomaxillofacial surgeries is important to determine sinonasal anatomic variants, to determine the appropriate treatment plan and to prevent possible complications peroperatively.

Sinonasal Anatomic Variants in Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis.

The pathophysiology of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is not well understood. To study the incidence of sinonasal anatomic variants (AVs) in AFRS. Retrospective cohort study. Patients with AFRS presenting to our clinic from 2008 to 2018 were reviewed for laterality of the disease. Patients with unilateral involvement were further studied for AV presence by reviewing their preoperative sinus CT scan at original presentation. Each patient's uninvolved side served as its own control. AVs studied include agger nasi (AN), Haller's cells (HC), concha bullosa (CB) and supraorbital ethmoid cells (SOEC). A total of 155 patients with AFRS were identified. 30 patients (19.3%) had unilateral disease involvement. Of these, 16 patients had left sided and 14 patients had right sided disease. AV were present in 26 of the 30 AFRS sides (86.7%) and in 21 of the 30 healthy sides (70%), (chi squared = 2.45, p = 0.117). CB were present in 12 of 30 AFRS sides (40%) and only in 1 of 30 healthy sides (3%), (chi squared = 11.88, p = 0.0006). The presence of HC was more common in the AFRS vs healthy sides (7 of 30, 23.3% vs 2 of 30, 6.7%, respectively, p = 0.071). AN and SOEC presence was similar in both AFRS and healthy sides (p = 0.598 and p = 0.718 respectively). AV are more common on the sides with AFRS compared to healthy sides, with the presence of CB reaching unquestionable statistical significance. Further study is needed to determine the possible association of AV, especially concha bullosa, with the pathophysiology of AFRS.

Computed tomographic analysis of the prevalence of International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification cells and their association with frontal sinusitis.

To determine the radiological prevalence of frontal cells according to the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification in patients undergoing computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses for clinical symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis, and to examine the association between cell classification and frontal sinusitis development. A total of 180 (left and right) sides of 90 patients were analysed. The prevalence of each International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification cell was assessed. Logistic regression analysis was used to compare the distribution of various cells in patients with and without frontal sinusitis. The agger nasi cell was the most commonly occurring cell, seen in 95.5 per cent of patients. The prevalence rates for supra agger cells, supra agger frontal cells, supra bullar frontal cells, supra bullar cells, supra-orbital ethmoid cells and frontal septal cells were 33.3 per cent, 22.2 per cent, 21.1 per cent, 36.1 per cent, 39.4 per cent and 21.1 per cent, respectively. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of any of the cell types in patients with frontal sinusitis compared to those without (p > 0.05). The presence of any of the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification cells was not significantly associated with frontal sinusitis.

Variability of the Anterior Ethmoid Artery in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

The anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) demonstrates anatomic variability relative to its descent from the anterior skull base. Our study's objective was to assess for correlation of AEA descent and laterality, in addition to correlation of AEA descent and the presence of supraorbital ethmoid cells (SOEC) and concha bullosae (CB). A retrospective study was performed at a tertiary rhinology center from January 2019 to January 2020. Noncontrast maxillofacial computed tomography scans were examined independently by 2 fellowship trained rhinologists. The vertical distance from both left and right AEAs to the ipsilateral skull base were compared and correlated with the presence of ipsilateral SOEC and CB. Computed tomography scans from 50 subjects were included. Mean age was 50.68 years (40% females). The distance of AEA to the skull base was greater on the left when compared to the right (62% vs 48%) (P < .05). The left AEA had an average descent of 2.84 mm versus 1.78 mm on the right (P < .05). An SOEC was present in 56% of cases. Thirty-eight percent of subjects had both SOEC and AEA descent on the right, while 52% of subjects had both on the left. This reached a statistical significance on both sides (P < .05). Concha bullosa was present in 35% of cases, with both AEA descent and CB present in 16% on the right, and 32% on the left. The AEA displays variability in vertical descent from the skull base, with greater variability on the left. These findings implore vigilance with evaluation of preoperative imaging and during sinus surgery, especially in the presence of SOEC and CB.

Evaluación radio-anatómica del receso del seno frontal en población colombiana

Objetivos: La cirugía endoscópica del seno frontal es quizá uno de los procedimientos más complejos en el manejo endoscópico de los senos paranasales debido a su localización anatómica y a las múltiples variantes anatómicas que pueden encontrarse durante su disección. Es indispensable conocer al detalle la anatomía de esta región en nuestra población para la planeación quirúrgica de los pacientes. Actualmente en nuestro país se desconoce la frecuencia de estas variaciones. El objetivo del proyecto es evaluar la frecuencia de las variables anatómicas del seno frontal y realizar un estudio radio-anatómico en una muestra de pacientes en Colombia.&#x0D; Diseño del estudio: Observacional, descriptivo de tipo transversal.&#x0D; Métodos: Muestra aleatorizada de 406 tomografías computarizadas de senos paranasales que incluyeron 812 senos frontales recolectados durante el año 2018&#x0D; Resultados: La celdilla suprabular fue la más comúnmente reportada con una frecuencia de 59.61%. La segunda celdilla fue la supra agger nasi con una frecuencia de 57.88%, seguido de la celdilla supra agger frontal (25.12%), celdilla suprabular frontal (22.17%), celdillas supraorbitarias (34.98%) y las celdilla frontal intersinusal (24,14%). La arteria etmoidal anterior se reportó colgante en un 31.28% y el diámetro AP más frecuente fue entre 5 -10 milímetros.&#x0D; Conclusiones: Para realizar una sinusotomía frontal endoscópica de forma adecuada es necesario conocer al detalle la anatomía del receso del seno frontal. Las diferentes variantes radio-anatómicas son muy frecuentes en el grupo poblacional estudiado. Creemos que este trabajo permitirá a los cirujanos un mejor entendimiento de esta región de difícil acceso quirúrgico en nuestra población.

Analysis of anatomical variation of the inclination of lamellas attached to the skull base and its correlation with the anterior ethmoidal artery floating in the ethmoid sinus for use in endoscopic sinus surgery.

Attention to the inclination of lamellas attached to the skull base, including the basal lamella of the middle turbinate, facilitates the intraoperative identification of each lamella without requiring the use of a navigation system. We classified the inclination between the lamella and the skull base in preoperative computed tomography (CT) images and examined the relationship between the lamellas attached to the skull base, including the basal lamella of the middle turbinate, and the position of the anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA). We aimed to develop a preoperative classification to help prevent intraoperative injury of the AEA. We retrospectively investigated the paranasal sinus sagittal section CT slices of 366 sides of 183 patients to assess the inclination of lamellas attached to the skull base and the AEA location. We also reviewed the AEA position, its correlation with the supraorbital ethmoid cell, and the lateral lamella of the cribriform plate. We classified the lamella inclination at the skull base as the anterior direction, perpendicular direction, and posterior direction types. Lamellas containing a floating AEA inclined in the anterior direction toward the skull base were observed in 68.9% of sides, inclination in the perpendicular direction was noted in 30.5% of sides, and inclination in the posterior direction was noted in 0.5% of sides. It is easier to identify the AEA intraoperatively when the lamella inclination of the skull base attachment is recognized based on preoperative CT findings. This approach could be applied to all paranasal sinus lamellas and assist in identifying the AEA and other nearby structures.

Anatomical Factors that Can Predict the Structure of Lamina Papyracea for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

This study investigated morphological variations of lamina papyracea, the structure that should be carefully considered when opening posterior ethmoid sinus during endoscopic sinus surgery, to avoid injury. This study employed axial, coronal, and sagittal computed tomography. Using computed tomography images of 228 face-sides, various anatomical parameters were determined: distances of the anterior and posterior ethmoid arteries from the skull base, and from the third lamella; changes in the angles of the lamina papyracea at the anterior and posterior ethmoid sinuses; and presence or absence of supraorbital ethmoid cell (SECs), Onodi cell, and Haller cell. The relationship between the distances which indicate the point of maximum projection by the lamina papyracea among third lamina and posterior ethmoid artery into the posterior ethmoid sinus and these anatomical factors were analyzed statistically. The projection distance of lamina papyracea into the posterior ethmoid sinus was -2.6 mm to 3.4 mm, and in 41.2% of cases, projection in the direction of the nasal cavity was greater than that of the lamina papyracea at the anterior ethmoid sinus. This distance increased with increasing distance of the maximum projection point from the skull base and increasing floating distances of the anterior and posterior ethmoid arteries. The number of subjects with large projection distances was increased among those with floating posterior ethmoid arteries. In addition, subjects with SECs had significantly greater projection distances. Particular care should be taken to avoid injury to the lamina papyracea when opening the posterior ethmoid sinus in subjects with floating anterior or posterior ethmoid arteries, and/or SEC. 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E19-E25, 2021.

Supraorbital ethmoid cell: geographical and racial variations

Background Supraorbital ethmoid cell (SOEC) is one of the most difficult frontoethmoid cells addressed during frontal sinus surgery. It has never been studied in Middle Eastern countries. The aim of work is to study the incidence of SOEC in Egyptians and its effect on frontal and/or ethmoid sinuses affection. Patients and methods Computed tomographic scans of 47 patients of chronic rhinosinusitis were studied for supraorbital pneumatization; presence of the SOEC; its size, side, number, and relation to the anterior ethmoid artery; size of the frontal sinus; and opacity of the frontal and/or ethmoid sinuses. Results The SOEC was encountered in 41 sides (43.6). The incidence of SOEC was least in Far Eastern countries (2.6–7.7%), followed by Europe (10.2–22%), and most prevalent in hot climate countries (35–45%). Conclusion It seems that the incidence of the SOEC has geographical and racial variations. Moreover, there is no association between the opacity of the SOEC and the incidence of frontal and/or ethmoid sinuses affection in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Anatomic Variations of Paranasal Region in Migraine.

To assess the incidence of anatomical variations of the paranasal region on computed tomography in migraine patients compared with control subjects. Paranasal computed tomography scans of 2 groups consisting of 50 migraine patients and 50 control subjects were evaluated, retrospectively. The presence of anatomic variations and the unilateral or bilateral presence of these variations were noted. Appropriate statistical tests were performed to compare the migraine and control groups, using a threshold P value of 0.05 for statistical significance. The migraine group included 39 female and 11 male patients with mean age of 39.9 (range: 18-65) years. The control subject group included 29 female and 21 male patients with mean age of 41.9 (range: 18-73) years. Anatomic variations noted included nasal septal deviation and spur, paradoxical curvature of middle concha, agger nasi cell, infraorbital ethmoidal (Haller) cells, sphenoethmoidal (Onodi) cells, supraorbital ethmoidal air cells, concha bullosa, uncinate bulla, and pneumatized crista galli. Of these variations, only the presence of Haller cells was statistically significantly higher in the migraine group compared with controls (P = 0.007). The unilateral presence of Onodi (P < 0.001), unilateral presence of supraorbital ethmoidal air cells (P = 0.012), and bilateral presence of concha bullosa (P = 0.016) were statistically significantly higher in the migraine group. There was no statistically significant difference between the unilateral or bilateral presence of Haller cells in migraine patients compared with controls (P > 0.05). Radiographic assessment of the paranasal sinuses is useful to elucidate potential points of pathology in migraine patients. The specific contribution of Haller cells to migraine headache symptoms and safe methods for surgical decompression warrant further study.

Incidence of anatomical variations according to the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification (IFAC) and their coincidence with radiological sings of opacification.

The endonasal access to the frontal recess and sinus may be complicated by a variety of anatomical variations. Previous classifications of these variants were characterized by proper names or position information without anatomical reference. The IFAC is intended to simplify the classification of anatomical variations of the frontoethmoidal complex. The aim of this study was to analyse a representative number of sinus CT scans to assess the incidence of anatomical variations according tothe IFAC and to compare the results with previous classifications. In addition, the coincidence of complex anatomical variations and radiological sings of opacification was investigated. Two hundred and forty-nine sinus CT scans were analysed in multiplanar reconstructions. Exclusion criteria were previous operations on the paranasal sinuses, malignant diseases, and an insufficient image quality. All anatomical variants were analysed according to the IFAC criteria. In addition, the coincidence of radiological sings of opacification and the presence of anatomical variations of the frontal recess and sinus were investigated. The analysis revealed Agger nasi cells in 95% of the CT scans. Supra agger cells (SACs) were detected in 49% and Supra agger frontal cells (SAFCs) in 25% of the data sets. Suprabulla cells (SBCs) were detected in 89% and Supra bulla frontal cells (SBFCs) in 27% of the scans. Supraorbital ethmoid cells (SECs) were detectable in 9% and interfrontal septal cells in 28% of the scans. Despite a partially strong narrowing of the frontal recess, no increased occurrence of radiological sings of opacification could be detected (p > 0.05). Anatomical variations in the frontoethmoidal area are very common. According to the IFAC criteria, in 43% of the patients, cells could be detected with pneumatization to or into the frontal sinus. The IFAC is structured more clearly compared to previous classifications due to the anatomical aspect. It represents the most consistent classification regarding surgical planning. Further studies will demonstrate the scientific and clinical value of this classification.

A Radiological Study Assessing the Prevalence of Frontal Recess Cells and the Most Common Frontal Sinus Drainage Pathways.

To date, there are numerous studies documenting the prevalence of frontal recess cells, but only 1 study using the newly developed International Frontal Sinus Anatomical Classification (IFAC) system. The identification of the frontal cells and their influence on the frontal drainage pathway plays an important role in endoscopic frontal sinus surgery. The aim of this study is to document the radiological prevalence of various types of frontal cells, as classified by IFAC and the most common frontal sinus drainage pathways based on its anatomic relationships with these cells. Using a novel preoperative virtual planning software (Scopis Building Blocks), consecutive computerized tomography scans of the sinuses of patients were analyzed for the prevalence of frontal cells, as classified by the by IFAC, and the frontal sinus drainage pathways at the Ear Nose Throat Hospital of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. In this study, 208 computed tomography scans of consecutively selected frontal sinuses of 114 patients were included for analysis. The agger nasi cell was present in 95.7% of reviewed scans. The frontal cells prevalence was as follows: supra agger cell (SAC): 16.3%, supra agger frontal cell (SAFC): 13%, supra bulla cell (SBC): 46.2%, supra bulla frontal cell (SBFC): 4.3%, supra orbital ethmoid cell: 17.3%, and frontal septal cell: 10.6%. The most common frontal sinus pathway type in relation to frontal cells was medial to SAC (70.6%), medial to SAFC (81.5%), anterior to SBC (88.5%), and anterior to SBFC (100%). In cases that had 2 frontal cells group, the drainage pathway was medial to SAC/SAFC and anterior to SBC/SBFC in most cases. This study documents the prevalence of frontal cells (classified by IFAC) using a novel preoperative virtual planning software in the Vietnamese population. It demonstrates predominantly medial anteromedial frontal drainage pathways as related to these frontal cells.

Reliability of the supraorbital ethmoid cell vs Keros classification in predicting the course of the anterior ethmoid artery.

We previously showed that the supraorbital ethmoid cell (SOEC) is a reliable landmark for identifying the anterior ethmoid artery (AEA). Recent data have suggested that Keros classification is also a dependable predictor. We aim to characterize the location of the AEA and its relation to the skull base in patients with and without SOEC using the Keros classification. Retrospective radiographic evaluation of computed tomography (CT) scans of 76 patients (40 with SOEC, 36 without) was conducted. Distance of AEA from skull base and prevalence of AEA outside of the skull base were measured on each side and compared between groups using the 2-sample t test and χ2 test, respectively. Subgroup analysis was carried out based on the Keros classification. Mean distance of AEA from the skull base was 1.32 ± 1.5 mm in patients with SOEC and 0.47 ± 1.08 mm in those without (p < 0.001). Prevalence of AEA outside of the skull base was 53.8% in those with SOEC and 18.1% in those without (p < 0.001). Comparing patients with SOEC to those without, AEA was found below the skull base in 30% vs 0% of cases with Keros type 1 (p = 0.45), 58% vs 14.5% with Keros type 2 (p < 0.001), and 60% vs 50% with Keros type 3 (p = 0.72). The presence of SOEC is associated with a higher prevalence of the AEA coursing below the level of the skull base in all Keros types, thus placing the artery at greater risk for injury. Careful surgical planning is needed to avoid potential orbital complications.

The Relationship Between the Width of the Frontal Recess and the Frontal Recess Cells in Japanese Patients.

Objective:The agger nasi cell (ANC) is an easily identifiable landmark when approaching the frontal sinus. The success of endoscopic frontal sinus surgery may be influenced by the width of the frontal recess (FR). The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the FR width and the ANC size in Japanese patients. In addition, the effect of various frontal recess cells (FRCs) on the development of frontal sinusitis has been examined.Materials and methods:Multiplanar computed tomography (CT) scans of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses in 95 patients (190 sides) before endoscopic sinus surgery were reviewed. The presence of FRCs, the thickness of the frontal beak (FB), the ANC size, and the anterior-to-posterior (A-P) length of the frontal isthmus (FI) and FR were evaluated in patients with and without frontal sinusitis.Results:The prevalence of the ANC, frontal cell types 1, 2, 3, and 4, frontal bullar cell (FBC), suprabullar cell, supraorbital ethmoid cell, and interfrontal sinus septal cell was 85.3%, 11.6%, 0%, 7.9%, 0%, 25.3%, 45.8%, 16.8%, and 15.3%, respectively. The ANC volume showed a significant positive correlation with the A-P length of the FI and FR. The incidence of frontal sinusitis in the patients with FBCs was significantly higher than that without FBCs.Conclusion:A large ANC offers a greater potential to facilitating the approach to the frontal sinus because of the extensiveness of the FR in Japanese patients. The presence of FBCs may be related to a higher incidence of frontal sinusitis.

Anatomical variations of anterior ethmoidal artery at the ethmoidal roof and anterior skull base in Asians.

The variations of the anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) in different populations should be recognized by surgeons to prevent unwarranted complications during surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the anatomical variations of AEA in Asian population. A cross-sectional study of 252 AEA identified by computed tomography (CT) of the paranasal sinuses. The multiplanar CT images were acquired from SOMATOM® Definition AS+ and reconstructed to axial, coronal and sagittal view at 1mm slice thickness. 42.5% of AEA was within skull base (grade I), 20.2% at skull base (grade II) and 37.3% coursed freely below skull base (grade III). The prevalence of supraorbital ethmoid cell (SOEC) and suprabullar cell (SBC) was 29.8% and 48.0%. The position of AEA at skull base has significant association with SOEC (p < 0.001), but not with SBC (p = 0.268). Type I Keros was 42.1% and Type 11 Keros was 57.9%. When lateral lamella's height is longer, the probability increases for AEA to course freely within the ethmoid sinus (p = 0.016). The mean distance of AEA from skull base was 1.93 ± 2.03mm, orbital floor 21.91 ± 2.47mm and nasal floor 49.01 ± 3.53mm. The position of AEA at skull base depends on the presence of SOEC and length of lateral lamella, but not with SBC. When compared to European population, the mean distance between AEA and nasal floor is shorter in Asians.